Youri Tielemans scored twice as Belgium beat Senegal 3-2 in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Belgium recovered to win and booked a Round of 16 match against the United States on July 6. The match had five goals and was close until the end. Senegal are out of the World Cup, while Belgium moved into the last 16.
Belgium recover to win 3-2
Belgium were behind but came back to beat Senegal. Tielemans scored two goals as Belgium turned the game around and held on for a narrow victory.
The result gave Belgium its first knockout win of the tournament. The team had reached the Round of 32 after finishing top of Group G ahead of Egypt, Iran and New Zealand. Belgium had already scored freely in the group stage. The win over Senegal was another match with many goals as Belgium moved closer to the quarter-finals.
Tielemans leads the comeback
Tielemans was central to Belgium’s recovery. His two goals helped Belgium take control after Senegal made a strong start.
The midfielder has been an important player for Belgium across several major tournaments. He also scored the winning goal in the 2021 FA Cup final for Leicester City against Chelsea.
Belgium’s attack includes several experienced players from recent World Cups and European Championships. The team will need another strong performance against the United States.
Senegal are out
Senegal reached the Round of 32 after progressing from Group I. The team finished behind France and ahead of Norway and Iraq. Senegal scored twice against Belgium but could not stop the comeback. The defeat ended its tournament before the Round of 16.
Senegal’s best World Cup run came in 2002, when it reached the quarter-finals. The team beat defending champions France in the group stage before losing to Turkey after extra time.
United States await Belgium
Belgium will face the United States in the Round of 16 on July 6. The United States reached this stage after beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32.
The winner will advance to a quarter-final on July 10. The other Round of 16 match on that side of the draw will feature the winners of Portugal against Croatia and Spain against Austria. Belgium and the United States last met at the 2014 World Cup. Belgium won that Round of 16 match 2-1 after extra time.
